Showcase of Character Illustrations Inspired by 1930s Cartoons

The art style of early cartoons from the 1920s-1930s era is known as “Rubber Hose”. It refers to the bendy limbs of cartoon characters from Disney and Fleischer Studios, such as Felix the Cat, Betty Boop and early Mickey Mouse (or Steamboat Willie) and their associated antagonists. Other characteristics that give the cartoons of the silent era their distinctive look include black bodies with white faces, pie-shaped eyes, and four-fingered hands in white gloves. In today’s inspiration showcase I present 30 modern day character illustrations which are inspired by the art style of ’30s cartoons. See how those visual traits are incorporated to give the illustrations a familiar vintage appearance.